Pages

Sunday, 31 May 2015

The eyebrow saviour. The game changer. The “that’s never going to work but hold on, it only freakin’ does”. This little wonder has actually restored my brows to their resplendently bushy former-selves!

Okay, calm down and back up a little. You know the story – girl has big brows, girls plucks big brows (actually near scalps herself), brows don’t grow back, girl spends rest of life filling in with pencil, powder, gel – familiar story? I’ve seen a few brow serums kicking around and thought, honestly – do these things ever actually work? Then I watched a Lisa Eldridge video (the one with Alexa Chung). Alexa was expressing similar brow woes and Lisa suggested using a brow serum – Lisa seal approval, time.to.try! I did the research and of all the brow serums on the market, RapidBrow had the best reviews.

RapidBrow is a high performance eyebrow enhancing serum formulated with Hexatein 2 Complex, a blend of fortifying proteins, stimulating peptides and nourishing ingredients which is clinically proven to help improve the appearance of eyebrow density in as little as 60 days.

I started using RapidBrow on 16th January 2015. It couldn’t be easier to use – swipe the spooly style brush through your brows morning and night. Forget 60 days, I noticed results after two weeks. Brow hairs started popping up in places I haven’t seen hairs in years. By 60 days my brows were almost fully restored to their former glory. They key is, step away from the tweezers. We all know grow back is a bitch. Sadly there’s no uniformed pattern, you have no control over how the brows grow back. For me, the hairs that came back first were the ones furthest away from my current arches, to the point it almost looked like double brow. As desperate as I was to pluck, I persevered, and eventually the two did meet. By the beginning of May I had full bushy madness. Everywhere I went people were noticing my brows! It’s one thing when you notice the difference, it’s a whole other level of satisfaction when people you barely know notice. Due to the self-imposed tweezer ban and way wood hairs, I had zero brow shape left. I decided to brave a Benefit brow wax (details here) to help restore some shape and whilst, inevitably I had to lose some of my new hairs, the thickness remained and the shape was perfect. The top pic shows the before an after on my bare brows, this pic shows the before and after filled in. The after shot is post brow wax...

I pretty much stopped using RapidBrow in early May, since then I’ve been using what’s left to spot-treat the tiny bald patches that remain, mainly on my right brow. Some stubborn hairs will likely never return and my left brow is fuller than my right, but I am blow away by the results. I still fill my brows in a little – to even out the arches and enhance the shape, but far less than I used to. My brows are thicker – they look thicker, they feel thicker, bald patches have been filled in, they even look darker, I guess that’s because there’s more of them. I’m elated – hello first time I’ve said that on the blog. RapidBrow is probably my greatest beauty discovery.

Wednesday, 27 May 2015

It’s no secret, make up is my passion. When I look back to my early days, it always was. I was the girl in school everyone would come to for make up tips, the one dishing out the mascaras and Heather Shimmer lipstick. I didn’t realise it at time, but I’ve been doing tutorials since I was 14. Whenever I applied make up – sleepovers, nights out, school, college, uni – everyone would stop still and watch. I could kick myself for now pursuing a career in make up back then. Still, you live and learn and it’s never too late!

These days beauty is so accessible. We can learn so much through blogs, vlogs, videos, magazine but I wanted to get some more formal training from the real experts. Sadly being a Northern gal it’s not easy finding good quality make up artist courses. I’ve been to some really bad ones in the past, not naming any names but basic skills with substandard products, this time, I wanted the real deal. So to London I looked for the gold standard. There’s no shortage of makeup/beauty schools in the capital. I did my research and The London Make Up School really stood out.

London Make Up School is one of London’s most progressive and well recognised beauty schools. Their course catalogue is huge with everything from basic make up to Avant Guard and the school caters for beginners to advanced pros and everything in between. If time and funds were no object, I’d work my way through the entire catalogue, but for now I decided to go with the Intermediate Bridal Make up Course.

It’s a professional two full day intensive make up course designed for make up artists that want to add to their skills. The course was delivered by the lovely Ana Ospina, who’s been working in the industry for over 20 years and specialises in bridal work. The course was incredibly intensive with so much crammed into two days, which was ideal for me – maximum learning/minimum time. The class size was really small – just three of us, which meant lots of time and attention from the tutor and the ability to learn from each other. We started off with a bit of theory going through the role of bridal make up artists, preparation and skincare but most of the class was hands on. Ana did some demonstrations and off we went creating looks on our models. We created a number of bridal looks – pretty in pink, vintage red lips and flicks as well as classic mother of the bride and bridesmaid looks. We learnt how to colour match foundations, correct and balance skin tone, contour, apply false lashes and perfect winged liner - well try!

I learnt so much in such a short period of time, it was reassuring to know I was already doing a lot of things right, but there was plenty of tips and tricks of the trade I didn’t know and you never stop learning. All MUAs have their own style and it was great to see how other people do things. Working on real life models in invaluable too. I’ve been on courses where you work on yourself or partner up and work on each other, but then you’re really only getting half of the tuition and learning, the other half you’re modelling. The quality of the products was ah-maz-ing! It was like being let loose in the beauty hall – MAC, Laura Mercier, Bobbi Brown, Illamasqua, I came away with a wish-list as long as my arm (actually both arms put together). Star products include...

As superficial as it may be, the location of London Make Up School was a real plus. Situated in the heart of Shoreditch it has a cool vibe, it’s close to the tube and is surrounded by great cafes/restaurants/bars. I’d be lying if I said I didn’t enjoy popping into Shoreditch Grind or The Breakfast Club en route.

I loved my time at The London Make Up School - just wish it hadn't gone so fast. It's fuelled my passion and increased my confidence. If you’re looking to advance your skills, regardless of your starting point, I'd definitely recommend it. Check out the courses here pssst.... there's still time to take advantage of the 15% off summer sale ending soon.

Sunday, 24 May 2015

Just taking a moment here to appreciate Real Techniques. Sam, Nic... big up ya bad selves! I own a lot of RT brushes, use at least one (okay five) every day but for some reason, haven't given them the air time they deserve. What did we do before Real Techniques? At that price point any price point, you'll be hard pushed to find a better brush brand. The quality, design, results... they're faultless. Who doesn't have an RT in their stash?

If there's one area not quite serviced in my brush stash, it's a highlighting brush. I tend to either use a blush brush or my Real Techniques Contour Brush, but if I've just been contouring with it, it can look a bit muddy... and a muddy highlight is no highlight at all! So my plan was to get the RT Setting brush £5.49 and make it a designated highlight brush, but this week Superdrug were flogging the three piece sculpting set, which includes the setting brush plus two bonus brushes, for just £12.99 (normally £20.99). The set contains;

The Sculpting Brush - The softness of this brush, you have to feel it to believe it! Medium sized brush head cut to an angle that perfect fits into the contours of the face. Soft but firm bristles that can be used for both liquid and powder contouring.

The Fan Brush - a super soft, small fan brush that softly sweeps on powders and whisks away any excess makeup for an even finish.

The Setting Brush- small and perfectly domed - perfect for a controlled dusting of powder or highlighter.

Like i said, what did we do before Real Techniques? Oh yeah, I remember... we applied badly. This set contains everything you need to effortlessly and seamlessly highlight and contour. Ultra high quality synthetic (cruelty free) bristles for pixel perfect results every time. Chapman sisters, I WORSHIP YOU!

Sadly the shamazing Superdrug offer has expired but you can pick the same set up on eBay for £13.95.

Friday, 22 May 2015

Ssssshh! Don’t tell Liz, but I’ve been cheating on her. You know I’m a big devotee of Cleanse & Polish, but when I got the opportunity to try the winner of the “best natural cleanser” accolade at the Natural Health Beauty Awards, I strayed. As much as I love the whole Cleanse & Polish experience, sometimes I don’t have the time for a mini facial – especially on a work morning when I’ve hit the snooze button one too many times. Cue Ole Henriksen African Red Tea foaming cleanser* for a quick fix…

This luxurious foaming cleanser is enriched with anti-aging botanical extracts including antioxidant-rich African red tea and Vitamin C – so it smells divine – fresh and citrusy and is very refreshing. Ideal in the mornings when you need a little help waking up. One pump works up a good ol’ lather (despite containing zero sulfates – yeah) and serves the whole face. It’s strong enough to remove makeup, but gentle enough for even the most sensitive skins. My skin it pretty normal these days – not overly dry, not oily. I give Liz props for that! I worry that using other products will mess with the status quo, but this one actually has a very balancing effect. It leaves my skin feeling squeaky clean. Not tight but glowing.

You know what, sometimes it’s good to mix it up. For me this one’s great for the summer months when my skin is less dry and in need of something a little less rich. It’s also fab in the morning – pump and go with a refreshing citrus tang.

Tuesday, 19 May 2015

Thought the whole lip-stick-lip-balm thang had been done? You aint seen nothing yet. The new Pop of Passion Lip Oil Balm from bareMinerals are slicker, glossier and more pigmented than your average tinted balm.

What’s different about Pop of Passion Lip Oil Balms? The clue’s in the title… they’re oil based. Making them decadent, rich, nourishing and lusciously glossy. The whole range encompasses 8 neutral to glossy shades, I’ve got Pink Passion* and Rose Passion*, but I’m already eyeing up Peach Passion, Plumbery Pop, Nude Passion... you get the jist!

Application 9/10

Super easy, smooth, slick application… and because they’re sheer, no need for a mirror.

Pigmentation 8/10

A sheer wash of vibrant colour that can easily be built up to more intense stain.

Texture10/10

Melts into the lips for an effortlessly smooth feel. In no way sticky, tacky or even balmy and remains very hydrating.

Finish 8/10

Enriched with Jojoba and sunflower oils, they provides a natural, high gloss finish that lasts.

Longevity 9/10

Much more long-lasting than your average tinted lip balm! The wear time has blown me away and even when the shine does eventually fade it leaves behind a pretty stain of colour that lasts, and lasts.

Overall , it's a big thumbs up! I’m pleased to say they're not just another tinted lip balm. Decadent, nourishing and delivers luscious colour that looks as good as it feels. An easy wearing, low maintenance lipstick that lets you rock a bright pop of colour without being too in-yer-face. If you're a bit of a lipstick phobe... this is for you!

Available in the UK from June RRP £16... watch this space!

Saturday, 16 May 2015

The I haven't done a favourites for absolutely ages favourites. I really admire bloggers that muster up favourites post every month. I mean to, but I'm just not that disciplined. Here's a collection of my latest loves and can't-be-withouts...

Come to mama! I saw this brush at the Complexsion Rescue launch and couldn't take my hands off it. Seriously the girls had to watch me in case it accidentally (on purpose) fell in my handbag. It's become my does-it-all brush over the last few weeks - great for foundation, concealer, cream blush, liquid bronze. Okay, it clearly deserves its own post so I'll not say much else... Except I didn't steal it. I bought it legitimately.

So they took my favourite cleanser and made it even more yummy! To my knowledge Liz has only made 3 Limited Edition cleansers... And this was the only one I hadn't laid my hands on so when it was relaunched to celebrate Liz Earle's 20th anniversary I had to try it. It's every bit as good as the traditional cleanser (full review here) but it has amazingly intoxicating lavender and rose aromas. Perfect in be evening or in the bath when you've got time to breathe the goodness in... And relax! It's such a shame this is limited edition.

This is genius! A bit like suitcases on wheels, I wonder why it took so long to invent this? A full size Venus head on a short handled razor, all contained in diddy little case... Perfect for travelling. No more reaching into my toiletry bag and getting a nasty scratch.

Bin the eyelash curlers because this one does it all. It curls, it lifts, it lengthens and it boosts. I'm still a huge fan of They're Real, but there are times when I don't want all out volume. This one's my go-to when I want sexy, glossy, curves. Review here

A damn good hand cream for a damn good price! I picked this up in Paris (remember my City Pharma Haul) and it's since gained a coveted position on my bed-side table. I slather this one every night, it's light-weight, fast absorbing, non-greasy and extremely moisturising.

Confession time, I've been holding out on you. This has more or less replaced dipbrow as my brow go-to and I forgot to tell you... sorry. It's an ultra fine, twisty up brow pencil that mimics natural brow hair and fills in the sparse patches. Fuss free and super quick - it's shaved minutes of my morning routine.

Okay, so now I've remembered why I don't do a monthly favourites... IT TAKES SO LONG! Hope you've seen some products you like? Let me know what you've been loving lately.

Wednesday, 13 May 2015

It's not often I get excited about concealer. As far as make up goes, it' one of the least glamorous pieces - functional, yes, exciting, not-so-much! But that was before I discovered Stroke of Light Eye Brightener...

I'm kinda crushing on bareMinerals right now. Ever since I went along to a live demo and subsequent make over I've made all kinds of new discoveries from a brand I've previously overlooked. One of the most stand out products so far is Stroke of Light Eye Brightener £22. This one really does do it all. Conceals dark circles, hides imperfections, highlights skin and even covers blemishes. It's amazing under the eye, seriously improving the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and the best thing is, it doesn't sit in them. The texture is so dreamy, it's creamy but not thick or cakey. It feels lightweight but packs decent coverage and doesn't set or dry out, which is so important to me. People rave about Nars creamy concealer, but for me, that one does set and dries a little... especially under the eye area. The eye area is so delicate and sacred, you have to use a concealer you can trust and that's the best thing about bareMinerals... It's doing good whilst it's looking good! It's also an amazing highlighter if you're doing the full contour/highlight (apparently Kim K is a fan). It catches the light wonderfully and has a magic blurring effect, air brushing imperfections for a flawless finish. It's so good, I'm happy to forgo foundation and just use this (as per the pic above) when I need just to hide the imperfections and go.

Stroke of Light comes in four shades, i'm wearing Luminous 02 which has a light yellow undertone making it the ideal antidote for blue/purple toned eye bags. It's similar to MAC Prep & Prime Highlighter, one of my all time fave highlighters, but this is less yellow and slightly thicker and more creamy, lending itself as a concealer and highlighter.

Sunday, 10 May 2015

You know my motto - It's all about the brows! I don't say that lightly, I really am brow obsessed. I don't care what the rest of me looks like as long as my brows are on point/on fleek/brow game strong (or whatever the kids say these days). Understandably the thought of someones else touching le brows makes me very nervous and that's why I normally do them myself. However, I've been on a major grow back mission since Christmas. I've been using a RapidBrow (pssst. IT WORKS, more on that soon I promise), imposed a tweezer ban and basically ended up looking like Sandy Cohen's love child. No bad thing, but I wanted to get a bit of shape back in there, and along comes #BoldisBeautiful

The Bold Is Beautiful project is Benefit's latest endeavour (remember Brow March) to raise money for women and girls. Throughout the month of May Benefit will donate 100% of the profits from brow waxes to two very worthwhile charities - Refuge, empowering women and children who experience domestic violence and Look Good Feel Better, helping women and teenagers with the visible side-effects of cancer treatment. Pop along to your nearest brow bar for a Benefit brow-over, as well as supporting the charities, you'll also be rewarded with an amazing freebie - a full size Gimme Brow worth £18.50 (see my review here).

So, I womaned up and went along for my brow wax at my local Boots. Not to over dramatise things but I'd had a negative experience with a Benefit's Brow Bar in the past (I was scalped, it wasn't pretty) and was slightly nervous letting them loose on my arches again. But they did a brilliant job - I'm so happy with the results. I told the girl I didn't want to lose much of the thickness, I just needed some help with the shape. She waxed away the wild stragglers - I wasn't joking about the tweezer ban, and set about putting in some shape. She took my arches higher, adding a slight point and trimmed the bushy bulbous. I have really thick, course hairs with massive roots so I get pretty red and sore afterwards. Last time around I also got some nasty pimples so I decided to forgoe concealer and just have a little aloe vera gel. It meant I had to walk home with a very red face but it did the job and my skin's healed quickly. It's amazing the effect brows have on the face. This re-shaped has been like a mini face lift for me - I'm so pleased I took advantage of the Bold is Beautiful campaign - who knew your arches could support women and children!

#BoldIsBeautiful Have you been for yours?

Friday, 8 May 2015

Earlier in the week I was treated to a preview of #FenwickBeautyWeek - A whole week devoted to all things beauty… and if my taster was anything to go by, you won’t want to miss out.

Between Monday 11th and Saturday 16th May Fenwick Newcastle (best beauty hall in the North East) will be on hand to help you revive your makeup, skin, body and haircare regimes, just in time for Summer 2015. Throughout the week there’ll be live beauty demons, makeovers, masterclasses from international make up artists and luxury gifts with purchase. I’ll share the specifics in a bit but first, let me tell you a little about my taster sesh because you too can get a slice of the action…

Imagine a table filled with cards. On each card is a treatment. You can pick two treatments. Sounds easy, right? But imagine these treatments include make overs and masterclasses from Armani, Tom Ford, YSL and treatments from Jo Malone, Aveda and Clarins. How.On.Earth.Do.You.Choose? A high-class problem to have I know, but a difficult one nonetheless. Fortunately two became four (no I wasn’t greedy, there was a surplus) and I was treated to these indulgent treatments...

•Laura Mercier Foundation Make Over where they melted my makeup away with Purifying Cleansing Oil, prepped the skin with moisturiser and the mother of all primers. Foundation Primer, before applying the Silk Crème Photo Edition Foundation.
•Armani Maestro Summer Make Over using the amazing Maestro Liquid Bronzer and the Maestro Mediterranean Blush both of which I fell in love and I came away from there looking like I'd been on holiday!
•YSL where I was treat to a Touché Éclat complexion-over from the lovely Lucy. She applied the light infused Touché Éclat Blur Primer, Le Teint Touché Éclat foundation and make up artist fave Touché Éclat Blur Perfector ... plus I got to come away with my very own Touché Éclat.
• Finally, a wonderfulJo Malone Hand and Arm Massage using products from the new and limited edition Blue Skies & Blossom range.

If you would like to sample any of the products that were used during my treatments (mentioned above) simply pop to the relevant counter quote my blog name to receive a deluxe sample.

Other highlights of beauty week include…

Make up and Skincare masterclasses on counter from houses including Tom Ford, Sisley, Lancome, Dior and Kiehl's.

Six days of nothing but Beauty... I'm in! Are you?

#FenwickBeautyWeek

Wednesday, 6 May 2015

Fact: Blogging is bad for the wallet! In the last year I’ve been practicing at the art of restraint, concentrating on the needs rather than the wants… then along came temptress Charlotte Tilbury with her tips, tricks and amazing new product line! I’ve been lusting after her products for a while now – a K.I.S.S.I.N.G Lipstick here, a eyeshadow palette there, but then the Met Ball pictures came out and now I.WANT.IT.ALL! It helps that they don’t stock Charlotte Tilbury products in Newcastle (yet) but I’m going to London next week and, I can deny myself no longer, IT’S GOING TO HAPPEN. So this is my current CT lust list but I’d love your thoughts and recommendations…

Filmstar Bronze and Glow £49
If I could have just one piece, this would be it. The secret to facial framework, Charlotte used this on all her clients at the Met Ball – Ellie Goulding, Poppy Delevingne, Hannah Davis Amal Clooney and they all looked perfectly sunkissed and glowing. I also REALLY want the powder sculpting brush £35 that goes with this.

Another key item to crops up again and again. I asked Alice from Super Gorgeous, who works for Charlotte Tilbury and she said this was one of her top picks. Just look at the imagery that supports this collection… I wanna look like that!

K.I.S.S.I.N.G Lipstick £23
Don’t you love the names? And the old school luxe gold packaging, reminds me of the lipsticks my Mum had when I was a kid, think they were Estee Lauder? I’ve narrowed it down to Bitch Perfect, Hepburn Honey & Penelope Pink… now three need to become one because I’ll be living on the streets if I dare to bring home many more lipsticks.

Lip Cheat Pillow Talk £16
I saw Charlotte use this in this video tutorial and I was wowed. I’m not a massive lip liner devotee but this one’s rich and velvertty and has lips looking perfectly balanced and naturally plumped up… or so the bloggers tell me.

GODDESS SKIN CLAY MASK £45
THE red carpet secret weapon amongst A-listers in the know. This is what all the celebs use pre event to lift, smoothe, brighten & tighten skin. It’s basically a face lift in a tube – I’ll have a piece of that action!

Monday, 4 May 2015

There's nothing like cream blush for mimicking a healthy glow. I used to be a cream blush fiend but after MAC discontinued blushcremes (yup, still not over it) my love to for cream rouge waned some what... Then along came this beauty to reminded me just why I fell in love with cream blush in the first place.

bareMinerals Pop of Passion Blush Balm is a creamy, decadent blush that hydrates, nourishes and delivers a gorgeous pop of colour. Part of the new, and limited edition, Pop of Passion collection, launching in June alone with some gaw-jus Lip Oil Balms (watch this space). It's like radiance in a tub, plumping the cheeks and delivering that much coveted post-exercise glow. The revolutionary oil-balm formula melts into the skin instantly blending and imparting the most natural colour. It doesn't sit on the skin like some of the more tackier cream formulas, it melts and become one with the skin! The texture is creamy and light weight, balmy, but not sticky or tacky. Some people avoid cream blush because they think it's tricky to apply - it's not. You can dab this on with your finer tips like a lip balm - simples. Or pop on with a duo fibre or traditional blush brush. Check out my top cream blush tips here.

The limited edition Pop of Passion Blush Balms are available in three shades - Papaya Passion, Posy Passion, and this one, Natural Passion*. Described as a 'sun washed rose', it's a dusky rose pink, not too dissimilar to MAC Desert Rose, which is my current favourite powder blush. It's fairly sheer, but very buildable, allowing you to create your custom look. No Aunt Sally cheeks here, unless you want them of course! The finish is glowing, dewy and unbelievably healthy.

Watch out for bareMinerals Pop of Passion Blush Balms £20 launching in June. What'd you think? Are you a cream blush fan?

Friday, 1 May 2015

You know you've found your PERFECT fit when you want to buy them in every wash and throw away all your other jeans - something I'm seriously contemplating now I've discovered Nudie Skinny Lin. I don't need to remind any woman the perils of finding jeans that fit. We've all pounded the pavements in search of that holy grail. We've all got pairs in the wardrobe that we're still waiting to fit in to, or worse still, the pair that fit in the shop but stretched and we never wore again. That's why, when you find a fit that FITS, it's something to shout about.

Nudie are a brand my boyfriend has been wearing, and raving, about for years. Finally I decided to give them a go, and damn, he was right! I'm far from a skinny minnie - I love skinny jeans, but don't have the skinny legs to go with them. So when I look for a skinny fit they need to fit the curves and pack a good stretch. Skinny Lin has a curved waistband which makes for a comfortable rise and an improved fit at the waist. They're slightly higher at the back and slightly lower at the front - which means they keep my muffin tops tucked in but don't look like 80s Mam jeans. They're a tight, skinny fit, top to bottom, and made with a power stretch meaning they go on easy and they stay comfy. When they arrived I couldn't believe how well they fit - almost made to measure.

The wash, called Juvenile Worn, is a sun-bleached style blonde indigo wash - we're talking 90s stylee... absolutely perfect for the summer... if it ever appears. Next up, I NEED to get them in black and then maybe the washed out grey. It's more than I'd normally like to spend on a pair of jeans, but when you find THAT FIT, it's worth paying a bit extra, especially when I know I'll wear them to death.